Europe top stories: weekly summary

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 22 March.

Much improved outlook from manufacturers in Germany
The business climate for manufacturing in Germany improved markedly in March, the Munich-based ifo Institute said on Friday, with its latest survey results supporting wider views on an improving economy.

Eurozone private sector moves closer to stability in March, UK firms
The eurozone private sector came close to stabilising this month, driven by a more pronounced return to growth footing for services, but the disparity between a stronger southern Europe and ongoing weakness in France and Germany continued.

INSIGHT: SAF catalyst technology could also boost biochemicals production
Catalyst technology used to power the first transatlantic flight conducted by a commercial airline which used 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), could also have applications in chemicals production if a market can be developed to allow for commercial scale up.

INEOS to end ethanol production at Grangemouth in Q1 2025
Slowing demand and cheap imports were cited as the key reasons why INEOS decided to halt production of synthetic ethanol at its Grangemouth site in the UK in Q1 2025.

Europe PE/PP contracts settle up from February, sentiment noticeably weaker
In Europe, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) contracts for March have settled up from February and above the monomer, although sentiment has weakened.